Created in 2001, this distinction highlights the latest generation of international cinema by yearly rewarding the early career of a talented actress and actor, on the occasion of a prestigious dinner organised at the joint invitation of Iris Knobloch (President of the Festival), Thierry Frémaux (General Delegate of the Festival) and Caroline Scheufele (Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director).

Since 2001, the Trophée Chopard has been annually awarded to an actress or actor at the start of their career. Through this prize created by Caroline Scheufele to promote the next generation of international cinema, the Maison reaffirms its unconditional love for the seventh art. From Marion Cotillard (Oscar for Best Actress in 2008) to Léa Seydoux (Palme d’Or in 2013), as well as Diane Kruger (Best Actress Award at Cannes in 2017), Niels Schneider (Best Male Newcomer Award at the Césars in 2017) as well as Florence Pugh and Jessie Buckley – who received Oscar nominations just a few months after winning the Trophée Chopard in 2019 and 2021 – laureates of this distinction have consistently confirmed the hopes placed in them.

The 2023 Trophée Chopard will be awarded on May 19^th during the 76^th Cannes Festival during a prestigious dinner dedicated to the theme of skills transmission, at the invitation of Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and Caroline Scheufele. The two laureates will be decided by the votes of the Académie du Trophée Chopard, composed of winners as well as godfathers and godmothers of previous editions. After an edition presided over by Julia Roberts, Caroline Scheufele has decided to entrust the honour of presenting the 2023 awards to an equally legendary actress. Who better than Natalie Portman to honour young talents in international cinema? The Israeli-American actress has pursued her ascension within the industry since Luc Besson’s Léon (1994) which brought her to the screen at the age of just 12, winning the Oscar for Best Actress in 2011 for her memorable performance in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan. In the course of her almost 30-year career to date, Natalie Portman has masterfully played an impressive variety of roles in more than 60 films and five series. After diversifying into directing in 2008, with her first short film Eve opening the Venice Film Festival, she has also become involved in production.

Socially engaged Natalie Portman is a regular at major international film festivals, where her appearances are always associated with strong messages advocating for noble causes, such as the fight against sexism. In 2018, the actress walked the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival wearing earrings from Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection, crafted from Fairmined-certified ethical gold and responsibly sourced diamonds. 

Longstanding film-lover Caroline Scheufele commented on the choice of this exceptional godmother: “Natalie Portman is a cinema legend whom I have always admired, not only for her immense talent as an actress, but also for her commitment as a woman of strong convictions. I know that she pours her entire heart into her projects, and it is with strong emotional engagement and a caring attitude that she will present their awards to the winners of the 2023 Trophée Chopard.”